Chapter 187

Chapter 84 A Blank Dial

[Current absorption of dark echoes…]

[You have received the reward: Blank Dial]

After going through a round in Poker Kingdom, especially after the battle with the Selfish King, the darkness echoes inside him broke through some limit, and the system timely bestowed upon him a new reward.

This is that divine artifact from Kamen Rider Zi-O—the “Blank Dial!” This thing could make anyone or anything inferior to you in an instant. If this were in the world of Kamen Rider Zi-O, Ash would go wild, absorbing anyone he disliked. But now…

“What’s the point of this thing!”

As you can see, right now, Ash’s face is full of disdain.

Ash had previously acquired a few blank dials from Time Jackers when they were his colleagues. This device could directly take away all the powers and histories of the corresponding riders. However, it can only be used against Kamen Riders.

Ash tried to activate it on Ultramen and other teams, but found no effect; unless someone voluntarily offered their power and history back. Who would do that?

Now, Ash also tried on Ai and the others, but aside from a ringing sound like a clock and Rikka’s shocked face, nothing was gained.

“Mr. Ash, what mischief are you up to?”

“It’s nothing, it’s nothing.” Ash sighed deeply, realizing there is indeed a Kamen Rider in this world—he himself!

“There’s no mischief anymore.”

With the two princes—one righteous, one evil—both reclaimed by the Pretty Cures, this operation could be considered a great victory. Except for Ash’s unlucky poker face and Reina’s bowed head with a hidden expression, everyone wore faces of joy.

Unfortunately, the princess trapped within ice could not be rescued no matter how hard everyone tried. If it were Ash, he might not only break the ice but also free the person inside.

After consultation, the girls and Jo decided to hide the princess in a place where the Selfish Organization could not find them. Ash warmly recommended the Mirror World as his own backyard, but Jo gently declined.

It was not just Ash’s expression that didn’t look good, Reina seemed equally sad, her face showing worry, pain, hesitation, and regret, quickly suppressed by her. She loudly acted nonchalant and asked,

“Oh~ What should I do next?”

Reina’s behavior immediately drew the attention of others. They had already welcomed Reina fully as part of their team, so naturally they wanted to care for her.

“Appealing for the human world… running away completely alienated me from Dad. Even if I apologize when I return, Dad won’t forgive me.”

As she spoke, her voice choked with emotion. No matter what, blood ties cannot be severed; she still loved her father even though she couldn’t agree with his invasions now.

“Don’t you really love your dad?”

“Yes.”

Facing Ai’s caring inquiry, low-spirited Reina nodded in response.

Even after being attacked and suffering, the Selfish King was still her father.

“You’re truly a filial daughter.”

Ash’s hand came down again, but this time Reina didn’t hastily dodge. She closed her eyes, savoring the warmth of his heat radiating over her head and through her hair, making her heart flutter slightly, feeling as warm as if she were with her father.

Seeing Reina finally accepting after a long adaptation, Ash smiled, content like a cat owner petting his cat. “Your love towards your father is correct, whether good or bad. Some people in other worlds should learn from you.”

“Well, although many reasons make fathers and sons happy together because fathers are often so-so.”

“Ash-san…” Rikka, beside him, cautiously reminded him. “Don’t overdo it! What are you doing with so many people watching?”

“What am I supposed to do? After working so hard, shouldn’t I at least enjoy it?”

Oh, as expected from a blonde, very resilient!

“Ash-san and Reina-san have such a good relationship!”

Without thinking anything was wrong, Ai sat between the two. She raised her hand to cheer for Reina.

“Reina is a good kid. I really like her!”

Ai, speaking surprisingly, continued with her trademark smile.

“Reina is a kind child; although she initially had a spoiled appearance, she quickly corrected it through our efforts!”

“Indeed, Reina was under the influence of the gem and became confused then. But even when under the influence, Reina still returned the gem to us at the end!”

“Because Reina kept her promise with us, we felt her kindness and love, which made us trust her!”

“That’s how it is.”

“It feels different to have a friend and a princess.”

“You are different from the other members of the Selfish Organization. Thank you.”

Others chimed in, even Makoto, the most hostile toward the Selfish Organization, now saw Reina as a true friend.

“That’s correct, like Reina and us, and Mr. Ash, loving feelings are conveyed; thus, Reina’s love for her dad will definitely reach her dad!”

“You’re quite articulate. Many of my loud-mouthed friends can’t match you.” Shaking his head, Ash rarely stood on Ai’s side. “But this time only, I agree with Mana’s viewpoint!”

“Yes!”

Having received everyone’s recognition, Reina solemnly nodded, regaining her smile.

“But I’m no longer a princess, with nowhere to return… What should I do?”

Looking at Ash, Reina said,

“So, Ash, can I stay at your place today?”

“Huh?” Caught off guard, Ash nodded indifferently. “Sure, I don’t mind.”

“Wonderful, so let’s sleep together tonight!”

“Hold on—”

When things were slipping away into an inappropriate direction, crucially, Rikka loudly interrupted them.

“What are you doing, Rikka, you’re particularly noisy today.”

“What are you doing! Reina is still a girl. You planning on letting her stay with you?”

For Reina, who doesn’t understand princess matters, it’s forgivable. But why did you recklessly agree then? If the Police knew about it, months of pork cutlet meals would be ruined.

Not—thinking about it, remembering Ash’s usual traits even outside battles, Rikka couldn’t help covering her face.

I should never have expected anything good from this guy!

“If you can barely handle having one person at your place, what will you do with the others?”

“Hey, Rikka, don’t exaggerate. What do you mean by my…”

“What did I do wrong? Also, don’t use that name!”

Rikka glared fiercely at Ash, thinking of the cleaning service contracted with him at home. Realizing he had no choice but to drop his argument.

In the end, Reina was taken home by Ai, looking somewhat disappointed she didn’t go to Ash’s place.

But, seeing the situation next time, Reina instantly regretted coming there.